By Alexis Menard On January 27, 2020 4:22 PM

Alumna, Katie Osentoski (McAuliffe), received her Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing in 2014. Katie pursued professional designations in the Finance industry like Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP™) and Life, Health &
Accident Insurance License with the state of Michigan. As a full-time Associate Wealth Coach and Mom, she is pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification. As our featured Alumni of the month, Kaite will give insight to her experiences at UM-Flint, finding what she loves in a career, crucial advice when trying to find an internship/career, and more!

Q: Degree(s) and graduation year:
A: I graduated in 2014. I graduated from the School of Management with a B.B.A. with a marketing concentration.

Q: Pursuing another degree?
A: I am not pursuing another degree. However, since graduating, I have pursued professional designations in my industry. Through the College for Financial Planning® — a Kaplan Company, I earned the Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional™ (FPQP™) designation in 2018. In 2019, I obtained my Life, Health & Accident Insurance License with the state of Michigan. I am currently pursuing the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) certification.

Q: Where are you currently working and your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization?
A: I work for a privately held wealth management firm in Troy, Michigan. I have been with the firm for over 3 ½ years. When I started with the firm, I was serving as an investment operations specialist. In 2019, I transitioned into a new role – associate wealth coach.

Q: Why did you choose UM-Flint for your BBA?
A: I chose UM-Flint for three primary reasons. First, I had heard first-hand from students and employers that the school gives students the skills to excel in their careers. My education, connections and employability were the most important things when it came to deciding on a university. That wasn’t always the case for me, though. I had attended Central Michigan University and transferred to UM-Flint my junior year. I initially chose Central Michigan based on the following priorities: I felt I needed the experience of living away from home, I wanted the social experience and LASTLY because of my education. By the time I reached the end of my sophomore year, I had my priorities in line and was ready to get back on track and focus on my education. Transferring to UM-Flint helped me to do that.

Second, I knew I wanted to set myself up for financial success. While attending UM-Flint, I was able to live at home, work part-time, set aside an emergency fund and cash flow a large portion of my tuition. I was also able to obtain scholarships based on my academic merits which was instrumental.

Third, my family is from the surrounding Flint area. My grandparents owned businesses in Flint and were active members in the community. I take great pride in being from the Flint-area and attending a school in Flint seemed to be a natural fit.

Q: What is one of your favorite experiences at UM-Flint?
A: I enjoyed my time in the classroom. Every time I entered the classroom, I dug in. I participated. I asked the questions. I was the student that others probably rolled their eyes at when I popped my hand up because I had a question. But I was at a point in my education where I knew not to hold back questions or thoughts. Any question/idea was better than no question/idea. Each of my professors reciprocated and I found the more I engaged, the more they engaged, and I had amazing experiences and relationships with the professors.

One of my favorite projects was in Dr. Dan Lair’s Business Communications class. Our class created a program called Hiring U which was designed to help other students move from a college student to career professionals. We established an online presence and marketed the program, created meaningful content to help students and finished the class with a university event with a panel of hiring experts. I learned so much in the classroom in terms of hiring, marketing and working on a team. A bonus to this class…I met some great friends that are still in my life to this day!

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: During my senior year at UM-Flint, I did a marketing and development internship at the Flint Institute of Arts (FIA). Within a few short months, I was offered a job as an assistant events coordinator. I worked at the museum coordinating events, working on committees with community leaders and marketing programs and exhibitions.

My time at the FIA made me realize I love developing meaningful relationships with people and marketing. Soon after graduation, I accepted a marketing and client service role at a financial firm in Flint. This position allowed me to explore my marketing interests while exposing me to insurance and financial services. From that moment, I knew I wanted to work in the financial services industry. It had everything I needed in a career. It allowed me to develop relationships, make a meaningful impact in businesses and families financial lives and channel both my analytical and creative skills.

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: I am proud to be a working mom. It is one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I have ever done. I often think back to Business Law with Dr. Witt. He had mentioned he would hire someone from UM-Flint any day because we have grit. Students from UM-Flint work hard. We multitask. We do what it takes to get the job done. We. Get. Stuff. Done. And that’s what it takes in the real world!

As a side note, Business Law with Dr. Witt was probably one of the most impactful classes I had taken. I’m glad I paid such close attention in the class because little did I know it would be applicable on a daily basis in my career!

Q: What advice would you give students that are thinking of pursuing a career in marketing/financial planning?
A: I have three main pieces of advice. First, take the job. Even if it’s not exactly what you’re looking for, or maybe you’re not sure it’s a fit…take the job and get your feet wet. You never know where it’s going to lead.

Second, always remember the expert in anything was once a beginner. Take the first step, give yourself grace and know your worth.

Third, never underestimate the value of networking and connections. Never burn a bridge and always treat others with respect.

Q: Fun Facts!
A: In 2014 I married my best friend, Chad Osentoski. We met at Mott Community College and took many classes together at UM-Flint. Chad graduated from UM-Flint as well and is now an assistant project manager at an industrial contracting firm. We are both grateful for our time at UM-Flint and owe the school many thanks. We had our first child in 2018 and are expecting our second child in July of this year.

Life is busy between being a wife/mom, working and studying. I do always try to make time for myself (it is important for mental health). In my free time, I enjoy horseback riding and spending time kayaking and pontooning on our lake.

A random fact: A recent hobby of mine has been studying the enneagram and Myers-Briggs personality assessments. My employer uses the tests with employees and clients. It has been fascinating to learn. The tests can truly help you to understand yourself and others. As a reference, I identify as an Enneagram Type 1 Wing 2 (known as the perfectionist) and a Myers-Briggs ESFJ (known as the consul). The assessments are worth looking into and can be applicable in your career and daily life!